I've never used Airbnb for staying in a place with the owner. Selecting that you only want an entire house/apt is wonderful. You don't have to be that "stranger

I've never used Airbnb for staying in a place with the owner. Selecting that you only want an entire house/apt is wonderful. You don't have to be that "stranger in the other room," at all. I have stayed in places like downtown Hollywood, within a couple minute walking distance of having stars under your feet, for a fraction of what a hotel in the area would've cost. Every place I've stayed in has been clean; the owners kind and wonderful for introducing you to the area. You end up with all the amenities of a suite, like a fridge, a stove, and so on, without having to pay the price.